Scroll down for Fleet Management software that controls every cent of vehicle cost.

Custom databases - when 'off-the-shelf' software just doesn't cut it.

Choose a partner wisely and eliminate the risk.

How NOT to commission a purpose built database (an actual case study):   Supplier quotes lots of dollars and a 5 month 'go live' delivery date A database written for another client is brought into service and heavily modified Changing tables, queries, forms and reports produces a hornet's nest of bugs Important data for export to the legacy enterprise system is about as useful as a mouldy muffin The team testing this stuff is chewing pencils at a rate to make a beaver proud Users run a marathon of complexity only to enter and report on basic data We are now at month 14 and costs are climbing faster than an F-16  Management is now in less than a tender trap. Does it continue in the hope that the supplier will get it right? Or start again with a new outfit? How much of the monies expended can be recovered? What happens to the department's activities operating without reliable data for so long? A manager prays for a heart attack, a cast iron means of escape.

We might imagine the conditions above are rare. Not so. Billions of dollars spent by governments and corporates lie in waste tips around the world having produced not $1 in ROI or a measurable productivity benefit in database implementation.

Follow the rules - avoid the heart attack

Is a custom database essential to the department or business?	An IT project is no different to building a bridge or a shopping mall, it must produce measurable benefits: Is there a productivity improvement in more efficient employee activity? Save time - immediate access to important data Can costs be reduced through tighter control Get a budgeted figure and measure actual results Use ABC analysis to accurately determine current costs
Implement bottom up	Involve all users in the project from day 1. Don't force users to accept a management 'surprise'.
Produce a detailed brief	Take the opportunity to interview each user: What procedures are followed? Is there a better way? What database functionality will reduce user job frustration? What management reports are produced manually (e.g. via spreadsheets) that could be automated in the database? Reduce 'walk-time' to collect data, make it available at the click of a button Produce initial brief for discussion with developer
A Database means Discipline	Don't transfer poor manual systems into the database, they won't work there either. Determine what constraints and rules must be deployed to secure data accuracy and maintain a logical interface for users
Select the developer	Spend a getting to know you day with 2 or 3 developers Review the databases prepared for other clients Discuss the look and feel Review functionality and ease of use Check out reports Is the cost/time frame acceptable and realistic? Don't be shy about discussing penalties
CHANGE?	Planning a move to an ERP corporate database or a smaller more productive program for a department? Give us 1 hour of your time to review our presentation on CHANGE and make the implementation a money-saving success.

Our Case Study - View the presentation

As developers, we find ourselves working across many industries (click on 'Databases' for more). Below is an example of one database that has grown in complexity and functionality over time.

FleetComplete

The Complete Fleet Management Solution

From Capex to Disposal and all transactions in between

FleetComplete is our most comprehensive software for the fleet management industry. The program, tailored to individual company needs, is available in two versions: Enterprise (unlimited vehicles) and Elementary (50-1000 vehicles). Competitively priced, and conveniently marketed to buy, or lease. See below to download details. Other 'spin-off' vehicle management systems are also available.

So, you need a database in Honolulu or Montreal?

No problem. We can write a properly briefed database for clients around the world. Using remote access tools, the program can be installed and managed from our base in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Click on 'Contact us' to receive more information.

Training

For South African companies, we offer in-depth training on Microsoft Access, from Fundamentals to Programming. Our Excel Financial Modelling course recently received the 170th delegate.  Send an e-mail for more details.